Lesson 2 - Backhand Groundstroke Development
Advanced Skills & Tactics
•Year 6
•Tennis
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How can mastering the backhand groundstroke transform your tennis game and give you confidence to play from both sides of your body?
Learning Objectives
- To execute a backhand groundstroke with correct technique and body positioning
- To accurately feed balls using underarm throwing technique
- To apply backhand shots effectively during rally situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct backhand grip and swing technique
- Students will successfully return balls using backhand groundstrokes in practice rallies
- Students will show improved court positioning and shot selection during game situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Check racket size is appropriate - should reach from ground to student's waist when standing upright
Alternative: Shorter junior rackets, badminton rackets for lighter control
Use low-pressure balls for beginners to slow down the game
Alternative: Foam balls, low-compression balls for easier control
Use to mark court boundaries, target areas, and activity zones
Alternative: Markers, bibs, rope for court boundaries
Key Vocabulary
A tennis stroke played with the back of the hand facing the direction of the shot
Holding the racket handle with both hands for better control and power
The balanced stance used to prepare for any shot in tennis
Continuous hitting of the ball back and forth between players
A shot hit after the ball bounces once on the ground
Moving to the best place on court to play an effective shot
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic racket grip and control from previous tennis lessons
- Understanding of ready position and court awareness
- Experience with underarm throwing and catching skills
- Basic forehand groundstroke technique
Current Skills
- Two-handed backhand grip positioning
- Sideways body positioning for backhand preparation
- Low-to-high swing path for backhand groundstrokes
- Consistent ball feeding using underarm technique
Next Steps
- Advanced backhand techniques including slice and topspin
- Tactical shot placement and court positioning
- Combining forehand and backhand in competitive rallies
- Introduction to volleying and net play
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Two-handed backhand grip with dominant hand at bottom, non-dominant above
- Turn body sideways showing back of hand to target area
- Low-to-high swing path creates consistent ball contact and topspin
- Contact ball with racket face toward target, not angled up or down
- Follow through over opposite shoulder with both arms working together
- Return to ready position immediately after each shot for next ball
- Use backhand when ball comes to non-dominant side of body
Common Misconceptions
- Students think backhand is weaker than forehand - emphasise it's equally important and powerful
- Belief that harder hitting equals better shots - focus on control and placement over power
- Thinking backhand grip is same as forehand - demonstrate clear grip difference
- Misconception that ball must be hit up over net - teach hitting down with topspin creates better control
- Assuming backhand is too difficult for their age - build confidence through progressive success
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear visual boundaries, offer frequent positive reinforcement
dyspraxia
- Use lighter equipment, provide extra practice time, break down techniques into smaller steps, offer physical guidance for motor patterns
autism spectrum
- Provide clear activity structure, use visual schedules, establish quiet zones when needed, maintain consistent routines and expectations
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, utilise buddy system for court positioning, offer tactile guidance for grip
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations extensively, employ hand signals for communication, provide written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Modify racket size and weight, adjust court size, allow seated play if appropriate, use larger/softer balls for easier contact
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Technical vocabulary development, descriptive language for coaching, communication skills during partner work
Maths
Counting consecutive rallies, measuring court distances, calculating success percentages, analysing angles of shot placement
Science
Understanding forces in racket swing, friction between ball and strings, trajectory and gravity effects on ball flight
Geography
Court positioning and spatial awareness, understanding directions and locations on court
PSHE
Cooperation and teamwork, resilience when facing challenges, supporting others, managing competitive emotions
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between courts during practice, position at corner during games for full court visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for correct grip changes, body positioning, ball contact point, and tactical decision-making
Intervention Points
Step in when technique breaks down, safety concerns arise, or students need encouragement
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for visibility, show common mistakes and corrections, demonstrate from multiple angles for different learning styles
Verbal Cues
- •'Show me the back of your hand!'
- •'Low to high swing path!'
- •'Brush over the top of the ball!'
- •'Ready position between every shot!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 8m per court, clear of obstacles and other activities
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, appropriate for tennis footwork and movement
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check rackets for damage, appropriate size, and secure grip
- •Verify ball condition and appropriate pressure for skill level
- •Ensure nets are securely fastened and at correct height
- •Confirm cones are visible and positioned safely
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Racket swing contact with other students
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Slips and falls during movement
- •Collision between students during games
Risk Mitigation
- •Adequate spacing between courts and students during practice
- •Clear swing zones established and maintained
- •Controlled pace activities before full-speed application
- •Progressive skill building from stationary to moving practice
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all courts during activities
- •Monitor high-activity areas during game applications
- •Ensure proper technique to prevent injury from poor form
- •Watch for fatigue affecting safety and technique
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid if needed, seek additional support for serious injuries